Abu Dhabi, SANA – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated on Tuesday that “Jaish al-Islam” and “Ahrar al-Sham” are terrorist organizations and the participation of their representatives in Geneva talks does not mean recognition of them as “negotiating partners”.

In a joint press conference with his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, Lavrov said it is internationally agreed that the participation of members from Jaish al-Islam and Ahrar al-Sham in the intra-Syrian talks would be in their personal capacity only and if “they will accept all the requirements of Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council, in particular, the categorical rejection of extremist activity and commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity.”

“That’s the premise we proceed from…The participation in their personal capacity does not mean – and this is accepted by all, including the United States – these groups’ recognition as negotiating partners,” he added.

Lavrov went on saying “That’s our stance, just as the stance of many other members of the Syrian Support Group who regard these groups as Jaish al-Islam and Ahrar al-Sham are cooperating with such groups as Jabhat al-Nusra.”

“There is a lot of evidence proving that these groups are extremist,” he reiterated.